OTD| One of India’s finest batters Dilip Vengsarkar was born in 1956

In this article, we will discuss On This Day One of India’s finest batters Dilip Vengsarkar was born in 1956. The 1983 Cricket WC victory is regarded as one. The Cricket World Cup 1983 victory is regarded as one of the most iconic moments in Indian sports history. India was always regarded as a good test team but that was out-of-the-blue World Cup win was like a shot in the arm for India’s limited-overs cricket prospect. The 1983 World Cup-winning team was popularly known as Kapil’s Devils. One of the integral members of Kapil’s Devils was Dilip Vengsarkar.  

Dilip Vengsarkar’s journey to the Indian cricket team 

Born on April 6, 1956, in Mumbai, Dilip Vengsarkar did not have a family lineage of cricketers. His interest in the game originated as his family overlooked a patch of field that was the breeding ground of Bombay cricket. A part of the field was the home ground of Dadar Union, who was a traditional and reputed club of cricketers and Vengsarkar used to watch other players from his bedroom which developed his affinity for cricket. 

Further, Vengsarkar was admitted into King George School which was known for its cricketing heritage. Dilip Vengsarkar captained his school team in the elite Harris Shield and made his way up to the ranks to university cricket which worked as a passport to the Mumbai Ranji team. 

After sitting in reserves for one season for Mumbai, he got an opportunity to play for the reputed team after which he didn’t look back. It took Vengsarkar only one season to get the Indian Test cap after which it was the start of an illustrious international career for Dilip Vengsarkar. 

Dilip Vengsarkar – The king of Lords 

Dilip Vengsarkar opened the innings alongside legendary Sunil Gavaskar in his debut series against New Zealand. Though he failed to impress during his first stint with the Indian team, but he eventually found his mojo batting for India at No.3. He made it to the 3rd spot in the Indian Test team his own. 

Throughout his career, Dilip Vengsarkar went on to play 116 Tests in which he scored 6,868 runs at an average of 41.37. He scored 16 centuries in his celebrated Test career out of which 6 came against the mighty West Indies but Vengsarkar’s real taste of success came in England. 

Generally, English conditions are among the most difficult for batters given the heavy and dynamic nature of the atmosphere which helps the ball to swing and seam. Dilip Vengsarkar had a sound technique and played the ball late which got him enormous success in England.  

All the 6 centuries away by Vengsarkar are in England only and especially in Lords. He had a special liking for Lords as he scored centuries in all the three matches he has played at Lords. He finally retired from international cricket in 1992. Dilip Vengsarkar was also the chairman of selectors of India between 2006 and 2008 and India won the inaugural T20 World Cup under his chairmanship.